CONNECT

Before energy from the Sun reaches the geosphere (Earth’s rocks and sediments), it first must pass through Earth’s atmosphere (all of the gases that surround Earth). Some of this energy is reflected back to space by clouds, some is absorbed by the atmosphere while most of it is absorbed by the geosphere. This energy provides a source of heat that helps Earth regulate its temperature, making it an ideal and habitable place for living things in the biosphere (all the living things on Earth). But, not all places on Earth absorb energy the same way! Materials on Earth that are dark, rough and dry absorb more of the Sun’s energy whereas materials that are light, smooth and moist/wet reflect more of the Sun’s energy. In this lesson, students will engage in an investigation in order to explain how the Sun’s energy is absorbed and reflected differently depending on the properties of various Earth materials in the geosphere and biosphere.